DES MOINES, Iowa — Friends and family gathered to celebrate a former DMPD officer and veteran’s 100th birthday.

Thomas Vaughn Spencer Sr. will turn 100 on Tuesday. Just a few days early, a party was held on Sunday at Burns United Methodist Church, where Spencer is a longtime member.

Spencer is a World War II veteran and one of the first black police officers in Des Moines, where he served the Center Street beat and helped write a training manual still in use today.

“We are excited to celebrate 100 years of living for this brother, and the whole community actually coming out to show their support and the wonderful things that he has done,” said
Rev Dr. James Pernell, Sr.

This isn’t the first time the community has gathered to embrace Spencer; a similar party was held last year.

Even still, Spencer reacted to the party, saying, “Fantastic. It’s overwhelming. You didn’t know you had that much love in the community.”

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